Wednesday, July 16, 2008

The majority of my posts are usually humorous happenings out on the web but now I am going to post about something very serious to me. One of my closest friends, Tausha Marsh, is leaving for Amsterdam soon to seek some world renown treatment for cancer. After fighting cancer for more than 4 years she has little money to pay for such treatment and expenses. A small website (Why Do I Ride) has been setup to take donations for her by some of her close friends. I am reaching out to friends and people on the internet to see if I can help generate some more money for her in her time of need. Any amount is appreciated. Here is an excerpt about her and her cancer conditions from the homepage of Why Do I Ride

Tausha Marsh grew up in a small town in Wyoming. Her childhood dream was to play college volleyball. At 5’5”, that’s not an easy accomplishment! After hard work and determination she was awarded an athletic scholarship and a position on Western State College of Colorado’s volleyball team. On top of her athletic commitments, Tausha completed three programs within the art department preparing her to be a leader in the photography and fine art fields. Tausha lives her life with a smile on her face, a sparkle in her eye. You can’t help but love her, and she inspires all that cross her path.

Tausha was diagnosed with bone cancer in October 2004 at the age of 24. She began the fight for her life at an age when most are starting fresh and have the whole world at their finger tips. A doctor in Ft. Collins, Colorado started her on frequent , low doses of chemotherapy and worked with her on developing a healthy attitude and lifestyle.

After three years, Tausha had the bone cancer 90% defeated. However, in November 2007, Tausha was diagnosed with cervical cancer. A completely separate cancer. Think of the odds- 28 years old and after almost beating one cancer, another comes along.

Fighting cancer in the United States, the richest country in the world, is not as easy as you would think. It is expensive and the options for treatments of this combination of cancers are limited. That is why Tausha needs your help. In July, 2008 Tausha will move to the Netherlands to receive treatments from a renowned European doctor that has had great success helping those like Tausha. She and her doctors are optimistic that she can win this second battle.

Fighting for her life won’t come without paying the price financially. Her estimated medical, travel and living expenses while in Europe are around $150,000 Her previous treatments alone have put her $150,000 in debt. Imagine fighting two horrible diseases with these bills constantly in your face.

I think everyone better think twice about donating any money to Tausha. She is beign questioned for FRAUD in Gunnison, CO! DO NOT DONATED ANY MONEY TO HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't beleive me, just click on the link in the above comment. It's true....

These are big words from anonymous people. Last I heard you are innocent until proven guilty! There are always two sides to every story, maybe you all should check out the other side before you jump on this band wagon. Tausha is not guilty.

as a Gunnison resident, and knowing most all parties involved to some degree, I can say I am shocked and confused. we have three people who organized this "why do I ride" campaign to raise money for a person who may not have terminal cancer? the thought actually sickens me that people would take advantage of someone like this, but its all been done before, religious people use their charismatic persuassion to get peopple to give thinking they are doing "god's work" or "paying it forward"I would think that logan marlatt and Bill Swift (mentioned in the article) had to have some involvement in the process as the three created this program, I will be curious to see how it all plays out, and if the charges come out true i think all three should be made accountable for their actions and the lives that all three have affected under the guise of religion and terminal illnessPeople like these give christianity, and religion a bad name...you reap what you sow.Thankfully I never gave money, but this should serve as a lesson to all people. RESEARCH your charties, and give only to those that are verified to be legitamate

as a Gunnison resident, and knowing most all parties involved to some degree, I can say I am shocked and confused. we have three people who organized this "why do I ride" campaign to raise money for a person who may not have terminal cancer? the thought actually sickens me that people would take advantage of someone like this, but its all been done before, religious people use their charismatic persuassion to get peopple to give thinking they are doing "god's work" or "paying it forward"I would think that logan marlatt and Bill Swift (mentioned in the article) had to have some involvement in the process as the three created this program, I will be curious to see how it all plays out, and if the charges come out true i think all three should be made accountable for their actions and the lives that all three have affected under the guise of religion and terminal illnessPeople like these give christianity, and religion a bad name...you reap what you sow.Thankfully I never gave money, but this should serve as a lesson to all people. RESEARCH your charties, and give only to those that are verified to be legitamate

I have known tausha since i was 8yrs old and we had been close friends. We both went off to college and our friendship went distant. We still kept in contact but wasn't as close as we had been. When i first heard tausha having bone cancer, i questioned it. With all the benefit dinners, donations, etc, i always wondered in the back of my mind if she really did have cancer. Her family is not well off and believe they have filed bankruptcy twice. Than, when i found out she had cancer AGAIN!! and was leaving the states to see a better doctor...where was she getting the money? And why??!!! would you leave USA to get medical treatment??? I have been searching to find tausha to see how she was doing..we were friends like i had said before, and the past 2yrs she has never returned my calls, text, emails, NOTHING. So i started searching online and came across the Gunnison Newspaper...was i shocked? No. My gut told me all along that she didn't have cancer. Yes, i do believe she possibly had maybe assits on her tailbone (thus, the bone cancer) but i honestly do not believe she had cancer...Very curious to find out what will happen, and believe her mom is behind this as well.

I don't believe that she ever had cancer either! She always came across as being fake in college. It always seemed a little fishy that she claims to have had cancer but was still able to play basketball, play volleyball, drink, and she never lost her hair. Crazy hu? For someone who claims to have had cancer she sure didn't act like it. And then she claims to have gotten it again but was going to go to the Netherland for treatment? Has she never heard of the Mayo clinic in AMERICA! Seems a little fishy to me!!! And you're right....NUMEROUS people tried to reach out and contact her to see how she was doing, but she never ONCE called, texted, or emailed anyone back. After she got everyone's money she ran off with it!!! I guess we will all know the truth very soon. Thankfully I never gave any money to this fraud act...I'm very sorry to those who did!

Facts as released by the DA to the to the public about the Tausha Marsh case:

A) She is being charged with four felonies. 3 counts of theft, 1 count of "charitable fraud"

what is charitable fraud. Detective Danos of the Gunnison PD gave this example:"lets say i have a child who has M.S. if I accept monetary donations from people for treatment, and the child does not have M.S., that is charitable fraud."

Over 100 people have been defrauded by Marsh in Gunnison giving close to 33,000 dolars in the "Why Do I Ride?" fraud. The DA is charging for 22,000.00 but he believes much more money is involved. Apparently according to The a loal country format Radio station's website Marsh is supposed to return to Gunnison for her hearing on March 31st.

Logan Marlatt and Bill Swift, co-creators of the "Why Do I Ride?" fraud, are not being charged, and are the people that went to the Gunnison authorities "when they became suspicious". Due to the nature of the case they were restricted from releasing any public statement to clear their names of involvement by the DA until Last thursday as reported in last weeks edition of the Gunnison County Times in a small statement to the public regarding the case, another editorial by the paper emphasized their innocence, and they were indeed the ones that "blew the whistle" on Marsh, and are "key witnesses" to the case.

According to her facebook cancer support site. Tausha's mother has been circulating a letter in response to the Gunnison Time's article, I have not seen this letter but it supposedly is in defense of her daughter.

That's all I know remember these are unbiased facts released to the public, the DA has been very quiet about the case as he/she is preparing for the court date. and as Susan said above according to the American legal system, Tausha is innocent until proven guilty. However, the fact that two of the people that helped create the "why Do I ride" campaign are responsible for turning her in, does not look well for Marsh's case. needless to say if it is an open courtroom to the public, it will most likely be packed with curious people and victims of the fraud scam.

what a joke. if the DA's office is involved then it's not looking good for Tausha. i agree with every one who said that things just don't add up. better healthcare in the netherlands...i don't think so. apparently tausha didn't do her cancer research on who provides the best medical options. march 31st is next tuesday, we will see what comes of all of this. maybe she shouldn't have lied to all the great people of gunnison, co!!!!

I talked to a friend of mine who waorks in the Gunnison courts, I asked him about the case and if she was going to be brought to Gunnison to face charges. He said that a bench warrent was issued for marsh and that she would be extradited to gunnison if the police were able to find her in California. Seems to me that if the whole justice process is contingent on her being contacted by the police in Cali, she may be able to dodge them and never have to pay for her crimes. though im not a student or knowlegeable about court proceedings.

Court appearance scheduled for this last tuesday was pushed to April 7th at the request of her free public defender. Judge edens agreed and granted the move and I believe she is supposed to make an appearance but her "cancer support group" on face book says that she will most likely will phone her portion in. (one of her realtives posted this in the comments section) Im thinking that this is most likely true since Cali is a ways from Gunnison for such a simplistic hearing. Apparently the marsh camp is hoping "that this will not be pushed to trial" and the latest edition of the Gunnison Times reports that Marsh's mother in law states that Marsh did have cancer but was trying to "hide it from her friends while living a life as normal as possible with her condition" The DA and detective Danos have executed warrents and have been unable to provide any medical records that Marsh had cancer as of yet.There's always the possibility that Marsh may be telling the truth, but if they are "phoning" in rather than making an appearance for next Tuesday could this indicate a plea bargin? alos if it turns out the Marsh did have cancer that can't turn out good for Logan and Bill. Possible counter sue for defamation of character? I havent seen Logan around town much at all. My first instinct is she was in jail, but the paper and at least the small town word of mouth would have revealed that. Anyone else know anything?

I have known Tausha for a long time and dated her through high school. She is a smart, kind and loving young woman. I think that before so many people jump to the conclusion, one should look at the other end of this situation. Funny how someone in here said that they tried to contact Taush many times with no success. I simply called her parents house, got her number from her step father, called her and....presto, talked to Taush. It really wasn't that hard. She explained to me, long before this was brought to the courts, that the people who had organized the fund raising events, and were in control of the acct. that the money was in, refused to give any money to her to help with the bills piling up. Then after she threatened legal action further down the road, they turned and brought it to the courts as a case of fraud. So as you see there are many sides to this story. Is Taush guilty of fraud, I can not say that she is or is not for sure. I can say, however, that the young lady I knew would never have done something like this and I can't help but think that this is a old bait'n'switch that got pulled on her.

Wow this is all so sad and confusing. Tausha moved from her town to my town for her senior year of high school. She was pretty nice to me. For those of you who can contact her, I am helping plan a class reunion this summer, so if you could pass this on to her I would really appreciate it! She can e-mail me (Cory) at lsrvclassof99reunion@yahoo.com so I can see if she can make it. I know a lot of us from Baggs would like to see her again and see how she's doing.

To the friend that use to date Tausha in high school. Presto returend calls was not what everyone else got from her. People who actually donated money to her charity case have been ignored since about September 2008. No, she didn't return any of our calls or emails. And what bills is she referring to that was piling up? Cause at this point in time it does not look like that she can medically prove that she even has/had cancer. There were many red flags. But the one that stands out is what actually happened in the Netherlands. Ask about that, then you might think twice about why Bill and Logan tunred her in. I would have done the same thing! If she can't really medically prove that she has cancer then why should they turn the money over to her. The money was raised because everyone was told that she has cancer. If she doesn't acutally have cancer then she doesn't rigthfully deserve to get the donated money.

If she had cancer it would be easy to prove. If she is found guilty I hope they throw the book at her. The thought of anyone faking having cancer is just sick. There are real cancer victims that could use the money. If she is innocent, I hope the actual guilty people are convicted. This is a twisted story and hopefully the truth will come out soon!

Seriously someone one here is worried about Tausha going to a class reunion??? Get a life!! I think she has more to worry about than going to your stupid reunion! I think her freedom is more important than a reunion. This is a serious situation. WOW, the ignorance!!!

Wow...this is sad in many ways! How could a person do this to others? Why am I really not suprised after knowing her for so long I have always doubted it? And how can people say she is easy to contact when so many others have tried (MANY times) with no success?

It is so sad to me that someone would actually want cancer. I suppose it's the money that she really wanted, she just knew that there are a lot of great people out there who would (did) donate money. It is so, so, so sad! Many families have lost the people that they love because they did have cancer. Claiming that you have cancer is not a joke, nor is it funny! Shame on you!!!! Karma will get its revenge! I just hope the courts find the right person guilty.

I read all these comments and wonder if Tausha ever reads these....if so, Hi Tausha...I haven't heard from you since my wedding in 2007. WHY??? We were best of friends in high school and wonder why you have ditched our friendship. I just realized that the "why i ride" started in June 2007, funny how my wedding was June 30 2007 and you never once said anything. I'm so confused and hurt that you haven't been opened to many people. I still love you and hope you are doing fine and would love to talk to you. I send your sister messages all the time, asking her to say hi to you from me, and i even got your phone number from her, but you never return calls. If there is a reason for this please let me know...love ya girl..."stupid"

To all the people here on this sight talking b.s.(directly above this post) just keep it to yourself. Maybe one day in your life you can remember people slinging mud at you, while you helplessly sat by and could do nothing about it, maybe not as dire of a situation, but definitely on some scale. There is honestly no need for it until the criminal justice process has run its course, after all, they say if you assume, you just make an ass out of u and me. Don't be "Those peoples kids"

So, the court date scheduled for this week didn't happen either? (according to the facebook page) What's going on? Does anyone really know? Why can't anyone seem to find or contact Tausha...This is all crazy! I don't think she ever had cancer, so something had better happen to her through the courts!

This article states "Marlatt and Swift — who were in charge of her charitable donations — gave Marsh $5,000 for expenses". Where are the rest of the funds? When Swift and Marlatt were doing their fundraising, they wrote: "All Funds go directly to Paying for cancer treatments and care for Tausha Marsh." I heard Swift & Marlatt spent most all of it, and not on medical expenses. Maybe the DA should be charging them for spending the funds or do they get a free pass for spending the bulk of the money? Was their plan all along to send her off and spend the money?

What medical expenses does she have? At this point in time she can't prove that she has cancer, so rightfully she doesn't deserve any of the fundraising money!!! Why the heck would they turn her in to the DA if they spent all the money! LOL...what a joke! I think that it's really funny that Tausha used some of the money that we donated to buy a computer, but ironically she never returned our emails to tell us how she was doing. So sad!

"I have been given a dim prognosis to survive an illness that renders most patients physically and emotionally debilitated". That is a quote from Tausha's fundraising letter. How can you go from being "given a dim prognosis to survive an illness" to not be able to medically prove tha tyou have cancer. Let's see the proof of this "prognosis".

I'm not personally involved in the situation and can't pretend to know exactly what's going on, but I do want to say that I have had dealings with her family before and have come away very unimpressed. Her (biological) mother told me that SHE had cancer once when I asked her for a rather large sum of money that she owed me...her words: "Well, I have cancer, and you're basically killing me by asking me for this money (MY MONEY!)"...funny that nothing was ever said of her cancer again. So who knows, but I just have to say that I find it odd that Tausha said they raised the money without her knowledge or consent, and yet there's pictures of her smiling, looking perfectly happy and healthy, wearing a "For Tausha" cancer fund t-shirt. I guess it's good to see that someone with such a "grim prognosis" can be so chipper about life.Honestly, I hope the truth comes out and if Tausha really does have cancer, then I feel bad that this happened to her. BUT IF (and this apparently seems to be closer to the truth), she doesn't have cancer, she should be absolutely and completely ashamed of herself...it takes a truly sick individual to play on people's emotions and defraud them of their hard earned money. There is a young woman in my local community who was diagnosed with an ACTUAL case of very serious cancer recently...her major concern is spending whatever time she has left with her husband and young daughter, NOT raising money for her illness. If Tausha made this all up, I can't help feeling like she's slapping cancer patients - like this woman - in the face. Shame on you!

SERIOUSLY...........Where's the rest of the money? T.M. received only $5000 of the ever so changing and undetermined amount. Swift & Marlatt were in charge of the funds. Was there any ACCOUNTING of it? If all but $5000 is still there; RETURN THE MONEY TO THOSE THAT CONTRIBUTED. If the money is not there then Swift & Marlatt should be charged with the misappropriations and or spending of it.

Its funny to read all the articles and I also received a letter to the editor of the Gunnison Times that wrote the first article about Tausha possibly faking her cancer, that her step-mom, Rose Walker Marsh is quoted and Tausha's biological mom, Julie is NEVER quoted. I'm pretty sure that if i was in this situation, you would see my mom's name all over the place and sure in the hell not my stepmom....Seems weird, but in all reality, i know the family and figures that Julie wouldn't do or say anything..i totally believe she is behind this 100%. Funny, how she was born and raised in Wyoming..attended Encampment School and Baggs School and never had a fund raiser? I know if i had cancer, raising money would be the last thing on my mind, but if it ever came down to that, i would have it in my home town...certainly not in the hell the town i went to college in and hrs away from where i grew up..... O' and by the way..i know the person who's wedding tausha was in two yrs ago...its sad, these two girls were best of friends and for tausha to treat her like that is crap...I wonder if Tausha is happy now w/ all the attention she is getting..she always wanted attention...well, you got it now!!

They actually did have a fund-raiser of sorts for her in Encampment. It was actually for a teacher that had cancer but when it was "discovered" that Tausha did also, the funds were split! The teacher left behind a wife and two kids! They are the ones that could have truely used the money!

I also find it very interesting that those that seem to know Tausha are the ones saying that this is certainly something she would do...what a sad state!

Yes, very sad story. There was a teacher who had cancer...TWICE.. His family set up a donation for him and yes, out of the blue here comes Tausha and her family. The teacher's family split the money...its kind of hard to say "no" to someone who has cancer...The teacher than got cancer again and eventually died from it...very sad story..I hope his wife contacts the DA..she is titled to that money that was split. The stories that could be told would shock many people...too many to mention online...just can't wait to see what will happen...

OMG! Who would even think to split the funds raised. What a selfish move! I am so sorry for the teacher that actually had cancer and passed away! I'm also so sorry to the good people of Gunnison who donated their hard earned money. It's too bad that they didn't know the real Tausha. It seems like a lot of people who knew her don't have too many positive things to say. I'm so sorry to those people who have been taken advantage of!!

5,0000 dollars plus another two thousand dollars comes out to...correct me if Im wrong....approximatley, and I use this term VERY loosely seven thousand dollars?So where the hell did the rest of the twenty two plus thousand dollars go? It had to go somewhere? If Marlatt and Swift spent it all they should be held responsible as well. Instead i think what we are looking at here is Marlatt and Swift trying to save their asses and turning their friend/accomplice in to avoid jail time. Things just don't add up, Marsh claims that Marlatt and Swift rasied the money for her without her consent and knowledge, but she is the one who writes fundraising letters stating that (paraphrase)"Getting cancer, having it go into remission, and being diagnosed with cervical cancer is a kick in the proverbial crotch...now give me money."She knew they were raising money, and the whole "Why do I ride?" campaign...that had to be planned by all three. I mean look at the photo of Marsh linked from the Gunnison times. She's wearing a shirt advertising a charity that Marlatt and Swift organized that she didn't know exsisted. I smell bovine feces and it's getting deep. All three knew and conspired to prey on people's good nature, Marlatt and Swift just had the common sense to fold and walk away from the table before someone called the bluff and left Marsh holding the dead hand.

The money is likely in a trust, savings account, or fund. Just because they did not release it to her (which, under the circumstances, they should not have) doesn't mean they stole, embezzled, or otherwise misappropriated the money.

Hopefully after the conviction (which I'm sure is forthcoming, at least in the form of a plea), the remainder can be returned to some of the donors (though the legal process for doing this may take a while).

Providing false evidence to the police (in the form of the "doctored" medical records) is enough to warrant (at least) an obstruction of justice charge, should some of the rest not hold up.

It really sounds as if she went to the doctor, heard the part about her symptoms being consistent with a cancer diagnosis, and then completely ignored the blood tests, self-diagnosed, and had the medical records altered to support her own hypochondriasis. Her goal probably wasn't fraud, but her lying certainly got away from her.

I went to high school with Tausha and this all so interesting. I don't know what is or is not the truth, but I do know things do not add up. An email was forwarded to me that was from Tausha's stepmom and one of her current doctors. The doctor's letter was an attempt to clear Tausha's name. However, the information in the letter did not match what her stepmother claims. Furthermore, why would a doctor write a letter to be forwarded around the internet. Why wouldn't he wait until the trial to share his so-called medical findings? People can say Tausha has been judged, but the truth of the matter is that it would be very easy to prove that she had cancer. She admitted to having her medical records altered...so where is the cancer then?

Why is that Julie (her mother) is never defending her? Why is it always Rose, her stepmom? Why didn't she fund raise in Encampment and the Baggs area? Why would Tausha "suddenly" be too ill to travel to Colorado, but yet all her facebook and myspace pictures show her living it up with no signs of an illness.

Her sister claims that this case is getting too big to distribute information. Really, does this suprise you? I hope this case gets national news and Tausha gets the attention she so desperately wanted. After all, she is now the talk of Encampment, Baggs, Rawlins, Saratoga, Laramie, Denver, Gunnison and every town in between. She wanted attention, well now she has it. I just hope they don't let her off. I hope the make an example of her. I hope her justice comes from above and she gets what she has wanted.

"it's not our place to judge tausha, logan and bill...it's god's job"? forgive me for being a little speculative at the whole religious spin, but i tend to think religion is what got us here in the first place, people "doing god's work". Logan appears to be closely affiliated with the Baptist church of the area, she is also had a long history of cheating (infedelity) from those she has dated in the past, hypocritcal and pious in nature. A far cry from the religion and god she professes to believe in. Tausha comes from a Morman background. these people have used their religion as a mask to take advantage of people. I find it hard to believe that "god" will make them answer for their sins when his own people cant follow the basic foundation of the religion they profess to believe in, do unto others, forgive etc. In this case we as a society need to step in and say enough Logan, tausha and Bill, you don't take advantage of people. If this money is still in a savings account, obviously they cant return it till the case is closed, but surely they would have said "we have the donations still, and have prevented Marsh from running away with them" It all makes me think Logan and Bill blew it on their vacation across America in the name of Tausha and her supposed cancer.

So yes I think we as a society have a responsibility to "judge" Logan, Bill and Tausha. Shame on them I hope they all fall and get what they deserve...but if you're into the whole religion thing...i guess Johnny Cash said it best

Below is the latest letter that I've recieved via email. Just wanted share with everyone.

Hello friends,Some of you who donated to Tausha's medical fundraiser last year may have received "victim letters" from the Gunnison DA's office, and you also may have see the negative press articles. Below is an e-mail sent from one of her current physicians in Calif to one of the reporters. I doubt this will be publicized, as it not nearly as sensational as the previous accusations. Since this is an ongoing legal proceeding, we (especially Tausha) cannot comment on particulars, but we feel that you should know something as to what is happening. Know that we appreciate your support and prayers for her recovery. Tausha's birthday is this week, I know that her one and only wish is to live a normal, healthy, pain free life. Thanks Rose & Bick

You have reported possible fraud by Tausha. She was operated on repeatedly by a surgeon for a pilonydial cyst on her spine.nearly 25 procedures created an inflammatory mass that was corrected by another surgeon. The pathology report suggested possible cancer with premalignant cells. A local physician then treated her for cancer at his clinic. When she came to my office last month, her back is distorted and the skin mottled from the toxins of the chemotherapy and the scarring of the procedure. She is in 24 hour pain and has a gait abnormality. She has gone into fibromyositis and fibromyalgia due to the repeated surgeries. She can't tell the difference from cancer pain or fibromyalgia pain.all she knows is that she is disabled from the pain. Why not go after the doctor that botched this or the doctors that told her she had CANCER. Your article has destroyed what little self respect she had. She is having trouble fighting off the suicidal thoughts from the depression that the article put her in. At no time did she try to fraud or deceive anyone. Please try to help this poor lady and not throw rocks. Dan O. Harper, MD511 South Cedros, Suite B Solana Beach, CA 92075858-755-1126 Fax 858-755-3530 website: www.drdanharper.com

So, what about the cervical cancer? Maybe she really did have or thought she had the bone cancer, but no mention of cerical cancer or its treatment from Dr. Dan- The holistic doctor that has probably recieved all of his info from Tausha. We know know how trust worthy that is. I do feel bad that she is having other problems, but that is not the issue.

I guess I'm still a little confused.....what doctors have told her that she has cancer? It doesn't seem that she can prove that any doctor said that to her! I agree....it's pretty hard to believe a holistic doctor!!! Show real proof of cancer not just speculation!!

LOL Excuse me....but I've already helped her by donating money! I'm not willing to "help" her any more! She needs to learn how to appreciate good friends when she has them. What does her "doctor" want us to do...donated more of our money to a fraud charity case? Nope, I've already been fooled once!

Why would you forward something like this to people via e-mail? A mass e-mail stating that you still want support dispit all the negativity doesn't seem to me like the way to go. If all these people are so close to Tausha, then they deserve a phone call or some other more intimate contact than a mass e-mail! I also wonder about the credability of the doctor!

I heard that she really did go to the Netherlands but only for a few weeks instead of the few months she was supposed to be there...hmmmm doesn't seem like long enough to get the wonderful treatment she was planning on!

To those so focused on all the money that she was not given---I think that is probably a good thing and the fact that Logan and Bill are involved in bringing the case to the attention of the courts leads me to think that they may be legitamatly holding the money from her!

This is such an unfortunate mess that brings a huge amount of disrespect to those that are suffering or have suffered from cancer. The facts here seem cut and dry. If she has cancer, it was take a milli-second to prove it.

Maybe it wasn't her idea to raise money for herself, but she obviously played along with it, and accepted money. Seems to me that Logan and Bill were simply trying to rally together a community to help a person suffering from cancer. Then, later down the road, it doesn't look so much like she has cancer after all. They ask her to prove it. She can't. Why can't she? Because she doesn't have cancer. So Logan and Bill, doing what anyone else would do, go to the police. Because their names are smeared all over this, and at what fault of theirs? They were just trying to help Tausha.

Tausha Marsh should be absolutely ashamed. One - she clearly lied (and if I'm wrong, prove it). Two - she lied to her friends who were only trying to help her (talk about the ultimate stab in the back). Not to mention, she has now put a blunder on any future fundraising efforts for someone who REALLY HAS CANCER. Everyone who donated to her will now think twice about donating to a similar cause. Shameful.

If she's depressed - well, quite frankly, she should be. She has two options: Prove she has cancer and shut us all up, or live the rest of her life with guilt and depression. You brought it upon yourself sister, and you don't have my sympathy.

One last thing - Kharma is a bitch. No matter how many excuses you want to make.

I don't know what to think about this. I have a few posts on this site and i believe that Tausha faked her cancer, always knew it and once it came public wasn't surprised. I went to Dr. Dan Harper's website (got it from Rose Walker Marsh post on this site). Its SOOOOO typcial of Tausha to be at this doctor.. Her entire life her mom always had her on "natural" pills....she would pop 3-5 a day and i always thought it was weird that tausha "needed" these pills.. I read through the Doctor's website and he's all "natural" healing. IF i ever had cancer, i would be at a cancer clinic..sure in the hell not a "natural," "mother earth" doctor....More proof that she did fake the cancer....Yeah, i've heard rumors that Tausha is depressed....well NO SHIT, i'd be depressed if my own mother wasn't standing up for me, or in the first place, got me in this mess....julie is soooo behind this...just wait to see the outcome and see who was actually behind this scheme

I couldn't agree more with the last comment! I read somewhere else that since doctors, bound by doctor/patient privilages, cannot release information except under court order, how can this "Dr." Dan be releasing information?

i read Dr. Dan's letter...did anyone else notice that the good ol' doctor Dan is using a hotmail account...the FREE email webservice, seems to me that the good ol' Doc would want to have a email adress that exudes a little more of a professional image rather than "I'm a doctor, i have a website, but im too cheap to pay for a professional email address."

I agree with the last comment. Also, why would the doctor get into a he said/she said game over email. Why not just contact the detectives on the case and them Tausha' medical records. Oh that's right, because she doesn't have cancer, made it all up, and now wants pity. I agree 100% that she is ill. However, it is not cancer. She has some serious mental issues going on and needs some type of therapy. Hopefully she can get that when she is in jail. Hopefully next week the trial will resume and she's admit to what she has done!! For once in your life, do the right thing and admit your lies!!! She some type of remorse!

For all those who have asked where the money is, or claim that Bill and Logan have spent it I would refer to the original article in the Gunnison Times. It stated that when they became suspicious, they went to the police, and the money has been turned over to the DA.

This is killing me...... why all the news and info and now nothing!!!!! I haven't even heard anything from Baggs/Encampment... If it truly isn't anything...like she does have cancer, i'm sure we would have heard something, but because nothing is being heard of there must be something going on....TRUST me, i've learned a lot w/ the court systems w/ my husband handling w/ court stuff all the time...lawyer...and it takes so much time its almost a joke...but, please if ANYONE hears ANYTHING...please post it...people deserve to know...

I couldn't agree more! People do deserve to know! My guess is that she is trying to delay as much as possible!!! But that's just my personal opinion which isn't worth a whole lot! Hahaha! We just want to know the truth!!!

So, the charges have been dropped. I found this out on her sisters facebook page....VERY interesting!! I guess she is in Gunnison right now "fixing on the kinks." Something isn't right here and i would love to hear the actual truth...

Wow have not been back to my old blog in quite a while....and I see there has been a lot of activity over this article.

The post before is correct all charges have been dropped.....but confused as to why they think something is not right. I know Tausha as a close friend and there was never any doubt in my mind. She has been sick and is still sick. There is no case against her. Case closed

WOW, some nerve for the post before..stating that you are one of tausha's close friends....well, congratulations for knowing for only a few yrs...what did you meet her in college?...well, news for you....i and many others have known tausha since grade school and its funny how she hasn't contacted anyone of us and is only in contact w/ all the "colorado" friends....And she, her family and you wonder WHY we still think something is wrong. I know someone who was best friends w/ tausha all through jr high and high school, these two were inseperatable and i know that tausha hasn't contacted this person for over two yrs...her and i are closer friends now, but we all were close and I haven't even heard from tausha. Shit just isn't adding up right....So, don't you come on this blog and state that "we" are wrong and that we don't "know" tausha, because let me tell you....we were all friends of tausha and if she wasn't hiding anything than why hasn't she spoke to her "wyo" friends? She is losing more friends right now than gaining...

I'm not understanding your case. Just because she doesn't want to talk to you doesn't mean that she is guilty.

Simon stated 3 things. The charges have been dropped, they are friends and she is sick. I don't recall him stating that "you were wrong" or "you don't know" Tausha.

Perhaps in the future you should not make angry remarks to somebody you don't know because you have a mutual friend and they are better at keeping in touch. Perhaps you should not criticize someone because they state they have a "close" friendship with a mutual friend you haven't heard from. Perhaps you should not get so angry at Simon because he is a "Colorado" friend. Seems silly that you get so displeased with him.

You will notice the original post is over 1 year old and any initial motivation for this post was only in support and motivated from the kindness of Simon's heart and the chance to help someone out. It seems like anyone could appreciate that, especially someone from Wyoming! If you don't agree that she is sick, or you think she is a communist or you think she is the illegitimate daughter of Kim Jung Il that is fine, but angry remarks to an individual just trying to help out is odd!

A trial was set. And it looked as if Tausha Marsh would contest claims that she faked a deadly disease while accepting an outpouring of community support — including tens of thousands of dollars.

However, Marsh, 29, has agreed to plead guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor charge in exchange for a reduced sentence that’s not expected to include jail time.

This past Friday, District Court Judge J. Steven Patrick tentatively accepted the agreement and set a date for sentencing.

Three felony theft charges and one felony count of fraud were filed against the Western State College graduate late last February. That was after friends of Marsh — who organized a highly promoted fundraising effort to aid what was believed to be her fight against cancer — became suspicious and brought the situation to law enforcement’s attention.

Gunnison Police detective Chris Danos obtained 19 pages of Marsh’s medical records from the execution of a search warrant in October 2008.

The documents indicated that Marsh had seen numerous doctors over the years to receive treatment for ailments that at times were suspected to be bone and cervical cancer. But none of them included an official cancer diagnosis.

Some family members, however, have insisted that Marsh has been treated for cancer at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and San Diego Cancer Center.

It’s also reported that Marsh told authorities the fundraising was initiated without her knowledge or consent and that she “didn’t want the money.”

District Attorney Myrl Serra said last April that local fundraising efforts netted at least $22,000.

As part of the plea agreement, Marsh has pled guilty to charitable fraud, a felony, and second-degree forgery, a misdemeanor.

In exchange, her sentence will be deferred for four years and she will be placed on probation for that time, the terms of which will be determined by the court. Also outlined under the terms of the agreement, Marsh will receive a mental health evaluation and donate $9,000 to the American Cancer Society or another charity acceptable to the court (roughly the same amount spent from the Tausha Marsh Life Day Cancer Fund for a laptop computer, travelers checks and miscellaneous fundraising expenses).

Marsh also agrees to pay restitution to the victims who contributed to the fundraising effort from money remaining in the fund’s account.

The plea agreement states that “the known contributors have been contacted by the District Attorney’s victim/witness staff and it appears that the amount remaining in the fund is sufficient to repay all contributors who wish to be repaid.”

The prosecution is not recommending jail time as a condition of probation. Sentencing is scheduled for April 9.

Ha....TOLD YOU SO.....TOLD you all that she was guilty....how stupid can you truly be? TRUST ME...its funny how people who were tausha's friends still know her well....sad that she lost so many good friends....Have fun w/ the that kind of reputation!!!

- Alexis (anonymous) last one. I'll be honest this is my name this is who i am! Why did you lie to Steven, I talked about you all night with him of how lovely you are and amazing and sweet and how you guys first meet. I was touched.....and you lied to him which hurts me most and me and everyone else. I'm very sorry you had to. and to be honest if you didn't do this than you could easily prove the tests. You forged your doctors signature so you can live the life. Your a beautiful young talented woman you could of lived the life with Steven. But now every time Steven meets a girl that he likes how can he trust them. You broke the trust of an amazing guy and everyone that wants to donate to people that are deserving. Steven is so sweet and kind everything i thought you were. and lying to Wendy like that. That truly hurts. I'm very sorry you chose this path. But you must take the time you deserve. People make mistakes but not this big of one. Sorry dear.

This is the biggest question of anonymous people. Last I heard you are presumed innocent until proven guilty! There are always two sides to every story, maybe you should see the other side before you jump on the band wagon. Tausha was not guilty.